The Grand Canyon

The grand Canyon is one of those great wonders of the world. A majority of the world, and most Americans, make it a goal to see the beauty and splendor of the Grand Canyon at least once in their lives. The Canyon itself is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and gets to the depth of one mile (446 Km) deep. It is safe to say that this wonder is also fairly dangerous. 

 The Canyon has formed over two billion years, as what we know know as the Colorado River has cut through the earth. At the same time, the Colorado Plateau was uplifted (the tectonic plate rose) and helped create a deeper depth. Many geologists argue about when the Colorado River formed and began this process. Yet, the main argument is that the largest proponents of the Canyon began to be created five to six million years ago.

 The grand Canyon was designated a national monument in 1908. It became a National Park in 1919, making this its centennial year! The grand Canyon had become an American treasure more than thirty years before it became a National Park. In 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt visited the site and was absolutely amazed. He immediately called for the land to be forever preserved. 
  
But of course, as with all governmental issues, it was not that simple. In fact, in 1882 Senator Benjamin Harrison attempted to establish the Grand Canyon as the third National Park, after Yellowstone and Mackinac, but he was unsuccessful. He would also come up empty in 1883 and even after he became President in 1893. In fact, even Theodore Roosevelt could only get the land declared a National Monument and not a Park. It is important to note that the National Park Service that we know and love today was not established until 1916, by President Woodrow Wilson. (for more on Wilson check out this link https://thewhiteviking.blogspot.com/2019/03/woodrow-wilson-and-great-war-by.html). It would be Wilson that finally established the Grand Canyon as a National Park.

 The Grand Canyon has become a symbol of national pride. In 1979, UNESCO declared it to be a world heritage cite. In 1987 the National Parks Overflights Act declared that no planes could fly over the Grand Canyon. Lastly, in 2010 the Canyon was honored by being featured on its own coin for the America the Beautiful Quarters program. On the centennial of the Grand Canyon National Parks establishment we should all be grateful for both its preservation and for the beauty it brings to our lives.

Top Grand Canyon Activities:

  • Helicopter Tour of the Canyon
  • Bus Tour from Las Vegas
  • Grand Canyon Railway
  • Rafting through the Canyon
  • Balloon Tours over the Canyon
  • South Rim Mule Trips
  • Free Ranger Programs almost every day of the year
  • Travel along the Trail of Time
  • Grand Canyon Field Institute Adventures
  • Whitewater and Smoothwater rafting on the Colorado River

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